President Obama

The US electorate votes tomorrow to decide who will be it’s next President. The polls point to a comfortable win for Barack Obama who has appeared more charismatic than his Republican rival John McCain and presented himself as the change that America needs especially in the current economic climate. Obama has raised more funds than his rival and rejuvenated the Democratic Party with a highly professional campaign and with his brilliant oratory.

The economic downturn has worked in Obama’s favour and in what could be a lesson for the Tories at the next election, Obama has very effectively nailed John McCain to George W Bush and the Republican Party’s mishandling of the economy. Despite the US having troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and the expertise of John McCain in foreign affairs, the key issue throughout the campaign has been the economy and at every opportunity, Obama and the Democrats have held McCain responsible for the economic slump despite his attempts to disassociate himself from the Bush regime.

While the support of the Conservative Party here is usually with the Republicans, many members this time have backed Obama. His ability to draw huge crowds, present himself as the urgent change needed to save his country and inspire people to vote for him has been particuarly appealing. McCain has appeared lacklustre compared to Obama and often he has appeared angry and agitated. His choice of Sarah Palin who appears to be way out of her depth blunted his accusation that Obama was inexperienced and untested.

A win for Obama will give him the opportunity to repair the image of the United States abroad as his Presidency will be seen as a clean break from that of the current regime. He needs to take advantage of the goodwill that will be shown to him from foreign governments especially in the Middle East, and he has the opportunity to portray the United States in a good light. Obama has enthused people at home and abroad during the campaign. He will need to put in policies that continue to do the same when he enters the White House.